The Greek international has been with the Scottish Premier League champions since leaving Manchester City in 2008, but has seen his name linked with a move back down south to England several times over the recent past.

Hull City had been strongly linked with making a bid for the 28-year-olds signature, but Villa are now said to be keen on bringing him on board for a fee in the region of £2m.

Samaras is in the final six months of his deal at Celtic Park, meaning he is now able to talk to other clubs about a free transfer at the end of the season, though manager Neil Lennon may look to cash in on him now instead of risk losing him for nothing in July.

Villa boss Paul Lambert is looking to add some fresh attacking options to his squad after star man Christian Benteke is looking decidedly off the boil so far this term, and his backup, Czech striker Libor Kozak, broke his leg in training last week.